Refilwe Moloto

About This Project

Our interview with Refilwe Moloto;

What is your profession?I’m an investment and strategic advisor. After a career in economics and investments for private and public institutions, Ive turned my energies to the strategic requirements of large savers on the African continent aligned with a broader objective than profit maximisation – specifically, development and wealth sustainability.

What was your dream job when you were growing up?Anything that contributed to entertaining or saving the world, & for some reason I’ve always believed I would do both concurrently, & while looking good. [I would dress up as a “business woman” on my own at home during the day, style the fiercest stonewashed-denim suit you’ve ever seen, pack my little brown suitcase with Pritt, paper, crayon, scissors and “commute” up the 2 flights of stairs from my bedroom to the living room (“my office”), where I’d set up my desk in front of the TV. And then colour… VERY seriously. Or reenact Thriller.]

On the former, a musical theatre and film actor. Film for the reach it had, but musical theatre truly fed my love of singing and deep desire to dance.

On the latter, a human rights lawyer, or a medical doctor who helped find the cure for HIV, or to manage a shelter and rehabilitation centre for all the homeless in my hometown and to be a teacher in that centre.

I discovered economics as a discipline, and financial services as a vehicle a bit later in life.

What does a typical day in your working life look like?There is no such thing as a typical day in my working life.

One of your most inspiring experiences in your career to date?The moment an uninspired, junior central bank employee recognises what contribution her role makes to the broader economic stability of her country or region. Public sector institutions are large and intensely hierarchical – and they don’t always invest in leadership & talent development the way private sector does – so it’s difficult for junior employees to feel seen, or to feel their contribution is relevant. They aren’t always given the “big picture”, just the task – so when they suddenly see how much of what they do defends their currency… It’s quite special.

What is your favourite question to ask a prospective employee?In trying to get an honest sense of both their experience and of their ambition: “How long do you think you need to take my seat?”

What is your favourite leisure activity?Isn’t this a family restaurant…?! Just kidding – travel or anything that involves laughing with friends & family.

Who is your favourite South African designer?I’ve had a long relationship with Kluk/CGDT for over a decade, and continue to rely on their perceptive styling and personalised attention to detail. My most important events are safe in their hands.

Clean, simple lines form the basis of my home design and Pauline Mutlow’s LIM is present in every single room, several times over. My favourite piece has to be a handmade custom cabinet she made for my handbags.

How do you feel about appearing on the Societi Bistro menu and the dish in particular?Oh, it’s an honour of course! It was such a surprise – I thought it was only for local Cape Town celebs. I love the dish, although who knows if the shellfish that “changes daily” is a quiet note from Peter about my moods!

What is your favourite food to indulge in?Societi Bistro’s pomme frites with mayo are the world’s naughtiest snack.